Smartlipo liposuction prices in Switzerland

Smartlipo is laser-assisted liposuction: a very fine fibre, inserted under the skin through a small incision, delivers laser energy that liquefies the fat and gently heats the tissues. The fat is then usually suctioned out. This technique is mainly used for small areas such as the chin, inner arms, knees or small deposits on the flanks, often under local anaesthesia, in a practice or as an outpatient procedure. It can contribute to slight skin tightening. Its price follows that of small-area liposuction, with a surcharge for the laser and the fibre. For the technique, see our page on Smartlipo.

Smartlipo costs slightly more than conventional liposuction for the same small area, because of the laser and the fibre, but it is often performed under local anaesthesia, which keeps the total cost down. It is mainly suited to small areas and slightly lax skin. For large volumes or more pronounced tightening, other techniques are preferred. It is cosmetic and not reimbursed.

The laser is particularly useful on small areas where the skin needs to tighten evenly: under the chin, the inner arms, the knees, small deposits on the flanks or back. For an entire abdomen, the thighs or liposuction of several large areas, the duration and the accumulated heat make other techniques more suitable.

The quote covers the consultation, anaesthesia (usually local, by infiltration), the procedure with the laser fibre (generally single-use), suction, compression and the follow-up visit. The absence of general anaesthesia and hospitalisation for small areas explains why the total cost is often contained despite the laser surcharge.

Laser, radiofrequency and plasma all heat the tissues. The laser is mainly suited to small areas; BodyTite radiofrequency and J-Plasma are often preferred for larger surfaces or more pronounced tightening. See BodyTite prices.

For Smartlipo liposuction of the chin under local anaesthesia, here is how prices compare by city and canton, relative to Geneva.

After marking and infiltration of an anaesthetic solution, the practitioner inserts the laser fibre through an incision of a few millimetres and moves it in a fan pattern through the fat. The liquefied fat is then suctioned out with a fine cannula. The procedure often takes thirty minutes to an hour for a small area. A compression garment is then fitted.

Recovery is often mild for a small area: swelling, some bruising and tenderness for a few days. Work is often resumed after one to three days. The result appears over a few weeks to months, as the swelling subsides and the skin tightens.

Check the type of laser, the exact area, the anaesthesia, compression and follow-up. The laser requires training: ask how many procedures the practitioner performs.

A woman with a small double chin: Smartlipo under local anaesthesia. A man with small love handles: Smartlipo of the flanks. A woman with an entire abdomen to treat: conventional liposuction or liposuction assisted by another technology.

Compression, a few days' rest, sun protection for bruised areas.

The laser does not make you lose weight, does not treat deep fat and provides only slight tightening. An honest practitioner will recommend another technique when the laser is not the best choice.

Smartlipo is mainly suited to people close to their ideal weight, with a small localised fat deposit and reasonably good skin quality.

Laser-assisted liposuction appeared several decades ago, with the hope of melting fat without suction. Experience has shown that suction remains necessary for a good result, and that the main benefit of the laser lies in its precision on small areas and in slight skin tightening. Lasers have evolved, with wavelengths suited to fat and heat-control systems. This evolution explains why Smartlipo is now one option among others, chosen according to the area, rather than a universal solution.

The double chin is one of the most common indications: the area is small, the thin skin benefits from slight tightening, and the procedure is performed under local anaesthesia. For looser neck skin, FaceTite or J-Plasma are often preferred, and for sagging skin, a neck lift. See double chin treatment prices.

Fat deposits on the inner knees are stubborn and the skin there is thin. Smartlipo allows precise treatment, often under local anaesthesia, with mild recovery. This is one of the areas where the laser surcharge is most justified.

The laser requires specific training to dose the energy, avoid overheating and achieve an even result. An experienced practitioner will also be able to tell you when the laser is not the best option for your area.

For the medical side, the page SmartLipo in Switzerland answers questions about the procedure.

Other prices to consult

• VASER liposuction: prices in Switzerland
• 4 HD liposuction: prices in Switzerland
• J-Plasma liposuction: prices in Switzerland

Our guides

• Guide to cosmetic body surgery in Switzerland
• Cosmetic surgery in Switzerland

The points that come up most often in consultation.

Smartlipo in practice

Is Smartlipo suitable for the back? For small fat deposits, yes.

Does Smartlipo need to be performed by a doctor? Yes, a doctor trained in the technique.

Can the laser melt fat without suction? Suction is generally still needed for a good result.

Is Smartlipo suitable for the knees? Yes, it is a good indication.

Is a double chin a good indication? Yes, if the skin is not too lax.

Is the laser fibre reused? No, it is generally single-use.

Does the procedure take long? Thirty minutes to an hour for a small area.

What is Smartlipo? Liposuction assisted by a laser fibre inserted under the skin.

What does the laser do? It liquefies the fat and heats the tissues, with a slight tightening effect.

Does Smartlipo cost more than conventional liposuction? There is a surcharge for the laser and the fibre.

Which areas is it suitable for? Mainly small areas: chin, arms, knees, limited areas of the flanks.

Is it suitable for large volumes? Less so; conventional liposuction or liposuction assisted by another method is often preferred.

Is local anaesthesia enough? Often, for small areas.

Can I go home the same day? Yes, generally.

Does the laser firm the skin? It can contribute to slight tightening.

Is the effect comparable to BodyTite? The tightening is generally more modest.

Is there a risk of burns? It is rare with a well-mastered technique.

Is Smartlipo reimbursed? No.

How much rest is needed? A few days.

Is compression necessary? Yes, for several weeks.

Is the result visible quickly? It appears once the swelling has gone down, over a few months.

Is the liquefied fat suctioned out? Yes, generally, for a better result.

Is Smartlipo performed in a practice? Often, for small areas under local anaesthesia.

Does the price vary from one city to another? Moderately; see our tables.

Should the quote specify the type of laser? Yes.

Does Smartlipo treat cellulite? Not reliably.

Is Smartlipo gentler? Recovery is often mild for small areas.

Is a very low price reliable? Check the device and the practitioner's qualifications.

Do men use it? Yes, particularly for the neck and flanks.

Is the result long-lasting? Yes, if weight remains stable.

Can several areas be treated? Yes, with a surcharge per area.

Tell us your canton: we will refer you free of charge to a practitioner equipped with a liposuction laser.